Why it’s time to take the Liberal Democrats seriously again | Martin Kettle

Its pro-EU stance has made Jo Swinson’s party a prime player once more. To stay in the game, it needs a vision beyond Brexit

Beneath the soaring arches of Westminster Abbey at Paddy Ashdown’s memorial service on Tuesday, it was sometimes tempting to imagine Britain’s liberal tradition regaining something of its former eminence. As the service came to an end, and with a theatricality fully worthy of the former Liberal Democrat leader himself, a valedictory Last Post was followed by a summons to action in the Reveille. A sense of resumed purpose was unmistakable in the sunlit chatter outside the abbey.

Related: The Lib Dems’ plan to revoke article 50 is as undemocratic as the race to no deal | Stephen Kinnock

Related: 'A man for ideals': former PMs pay tribute to Paddy Ashdown

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